Man dies, another injured in collision near Mattawa

A Mattawa man died from injuries in a collision Saturday evening on state Route 243 near Mattawa, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The man was not identified by press time, but was 39 years old and driving a white 2002 Dodge Neon just before 5:45 p.m. southbound on state Route 243 at Road 25 Southwest.

Meanwhile, Antonio Magdaleno Ruiz, 53, of Desert Aire, was driving a white 2015 Nissan Altima northbound on state Route 243 approaching Road 25 Southwest.

The Dodge crossed the centerline, causing Magdaleno Ruiz to turn the Nissan, but the Dodge struck the Nissan and came to rest blocking both lanes on state Route 243.

The Nissan left the road on the northbound shoulder, striking a Grant County Public Utility District electrical box and stopping in an orchard.

Both drivers were taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland for their injuries, and the driver of the Dodge died. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Both wore seat belts and both vehicles were totaled.

The WSP deemed the cause was the Dodge crossing the centerline. It was unknown by press time whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.